Xbox Series X and PS5 Outsold by Nintendo Switch in Q1

The big console fight has been raging between PlayStation and Xbox since the turn of the millennium. This began with Sony’s PlayStation 2 launch in 2000, and Microsoft was hot on their heels with their console, the original Xbox, in 2001.

But, even between this fight, it is usually Nintendo that comes out on top. And that has happened this time as well, as recent reports suggest that the hybrid Switch console has surpassed both PlayStation and Xbox in terms of sales figures for the beginning of the year.

The market report, drawn up by Ampere Analysis, shows that the Nintendo Switch has trumped over both the other two new-gen consoles by a vast margin. According to the figures, between January and March 2021, the Xbox sold 1.31 million units, and the PS5 sold 2.83 million, which totals to 4.1 million overall. But, the Switch has surpassed them both combined with 5.86 million units sold in the same time frame.

The report states that the sales of the Switch had increased by 12% compared to the same time last year. This doesn’t come as a big surprise to many since the hybrid console hit a significant benchmark recently when the sales figures came close to 85 million units sold overall. Nintendo also received approximately 344 billion yen, a little over $3.1 billion, from just digital sales. This confirms the notion that Nintendo is still a massive player in the gaming industry.

These numbers are impressive because they could have been even more significant if not for the global supply shortages. With much of the world still dealing with the effects of COVID-19, companies such as Sony are working hard to increase the production of the PlayStation 5 to meet the market demand. The chip shortage may make coming across a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S much more difficult for the foreseeable future.

Even though the Switch has come out as the top-selling console for the first few months of this year, it too is facing supply issues. It had been recently announced that Nintendo might find it challenging to create enough units as the shortage of semiconductors takes its toll on the production of tech products. Once the shortage starts to reduce, we may see the PS5 and Xbox catching up with the Switch sales numbers, but who knows what they could reach as more Switches hit the shelves.

About Nintendo

Nintendo is a Japanese video game and electronic company. They are well-known throughout the world for rolling out best-selling consoles and games.

Game Boy, Wii, and Nintendo Switch, etc., are some of the consoles that Nintendo is credited for. They are also applauded for making gems like Mario, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, etc.

From rich finances to high honors, Nintendo has it all!